Note to media: There are two news releases about the findings of the eighth annual Quality of Life in Virginia survey. This one covers opinions on public spending and perceptions of education, health care, the economy, and life in Virginia. The second news release arises from the fact that the survey was done after the shooting at Columbine High School and addresses Virginian's views and perceptions regarding violence and crime. RADIO INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE. SEE BOTTOM OF RELEASE.

Most Virginians Have Managed Care and Find It Imperfect, But Endorse Managed Care for Medicaid, Medicare

BLACKSBURG, Aug. 11, 1999 -- While state and national elected officials debate tax cuts, Virginians favor maintaining or even increasing spending on schools, the environment, and social services, points out Susan M. Willis-Walton, associate director of Virginia Tech's Center for Survey Research.

The eighth annual Quality of Life in Virginia survey conducted by the center found that few Virginians believe the state is spending "too much" on its services. For nine out of 10 spending areas, ranging from improving highways and protecting the environment to providing social services, fewer than 12 percent of citizens say the state spends too much. Only with regard to spending on prisons and jails did a larger proportion (one-fourth of citizens) think the commonwealth spends "too much." More than half of citizens surveyed responded that the state does not spend enough on social services for the elderly, and 57 percent say not enough is spent on public schools (K-12). In fact, 41 percent agree that state taxes should be increased to support public schools -- down from 49 percent in 1996.

Regarding spending on colleges and universities, 54 percent thought it was about right and 26 percent thought it wasn't enough. However, 45 percent agreed that taxes should be raised to support public higher education -- the same perce
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Contact: Susan M. Willis-Walton
suwillis@vt.edu
540-231-3695
Virginia Tech
11-Aug-1999